Early voting ends Aug. 23; low turnout so far

By CAROL KENT

Published: Friday, August 22, 2014 at 12:19 PM.

CHIPLEY - Supervisor of Elections Carol Finch Rudd reports only about ten percent of registered voters have turned out so far for early voting. 595 have cast ballots in person, with about 865 absentee ballots received by the elections office. Rudd says she hopes the low level of participation by voters won't last.

"Our turnout has been very low, and I expect Election Day will follow that lead," said Rudd. "However, I would love to see the number grow and break records. It would be a pleasant surprise, indeed."

Ballots may still be cast today, Aug. 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the elections office, located at 1331 South Bld., STE 900 in Chipley. Voting will take place on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 26, at voters' regularly designated polling places.

Rudd encourages voters to take advantage of their right to have a voice in local government.

"With the small ballot relating to local races, it is more difficult to excite our voters and get them involved," she said. "The public should realize that every office is important and let their voice be heard by casting their ballot. As I have said for many years: 'Your opinion matters - but it’s your vote that counts!'"

Currently, Washington County has a total of 14,625 voters with 6,600 registered as Democrats, 6,194 registered as Republicans, and 1,831 registered as "Other."

For more information, voters may visit www.wcsoe.org, where they will also be able to access live updates on election night.

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CHIPLEY - Supervisor of Elections Carol Finch Rudd reports only about ten percent of registered voters have turned out so far for early voting. 595 have cast ballots in person, with about 865 absentee ballots received by the elections office. Rudd says she hopes the low level of participation by voters won't last.

"Our turnout has been very low, and I expect Election Day will follow that lead," said Rudd. "However, I would love to see the number grow and break records. It would be a pleasant surprise, indeed."

Ballots may still be cast today, Aug. 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the elections office, located at 1331 South Bld., STE 900 in Chipley. Voting will take place on Election Day, Tuesday, Aug. 26, at voters' regularly designated polling places.

Rudd encourages voters to take advantage of their right to have a voice in local government.

"With the small ballot relating to local races, it is more difficult to excite our voters and get them involved," she said. "The public should realize that every office is important and let their voice be heard by casting their ballot. As I have said for many years: 'Your opinion matters - but it’s your vote that counts!'"

Currently, Washington County has a total of 14,625 voters with 6,600 registered as Democrats, 6,194 registered as Republicans, and 1,831 registered as "Other."

For more information, voters may visit www.wcsoe.org, where they will also be able to access live updates on election night.